“A surfer was killed by a shark in the sea at Second Beach, Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, Surfing South Africa said.

Zama Ndamase, 16, a provincial surfer for Border was surfing with his brother and other members of the local surf club when the “horrific” attack occurred, spokesman Robin de Kock said in a statement.

“According to reports Zama managed to catch a wave after being bitten and attempted to reach the shore.

“Tragically he bled to death in the water before he could be reached by the lifeguards and rescue craft, he said.

Ndamase was the fifth shark victim at the notorious beach in the last three years. Four of the attacks have been fatal, de Kock said.

Border Surfriders Association spokesman Malcolme Logie was quoted saying: “He was a young guy, full of spirit and always ready for a laugh. He was always willing to help his team-mates and enjoyed giving the younger surfers encouragement and advice.

“Border was looking to him to play a leading role in our team this year. His passing leaves us numb and with a huge sense of loss,” he said.”

More details from our friends at Zigzag Magazine:

“Zama Ndamase (16), a provincial surfer for Border and a 2009 SSA Lotto Scholarship recipient, died this morning (January 15) in a horrific shark attack. He was surfing with his brother, Avuyile, and other members of the local surf club at Second Beach Port St Johns when the attack occurred.

The talented surfer, who has represented Border a number of times, is the fifth shark victim at this notorious beach in the last three years. Four of the attacks have been fatal.

According to reports Zama managed to catch a wave after being bitten and attempted to reach the shore. Tragically he bled to death in the water before he could be reached by the lifeguards and rescue craft.

Zama was one of the most talented surfers to emerge from this remote region and was a leader among the up and coming wave riders in the area. He represented Border at the SA Grommet Games and at the SA Junior Championships in Cape Town last October. He was awarded an SSA Surfing Scholarship in 2009 along with fellow Port St Johns surfer Zitobile Msesiwe.

Representatives and members of Border Surfriders Association (BSA), Surfing South Africa, Zama’s long time coach and mentor Mike Gatke, his East London based teammates and the local surfers are devastated by the tragedy.

Malcome Logie of the BSA said of Zama “he was a young guy, full of spirit and always ready for a laugh. He was always willing to help his teammates and enjoyed giving the younger surfers encouragement and advice. Border was looking to him to play a leading role in our team this year. His passing leaves us numb and with a huge sense of loss.”

There is real concern that the surfers who were in the water during the attack will not be able to cope and plans are being made to send a counselor to the area to help the locals handle the tragedy.

The Port St Johns community is poor and there is precious little money to assist the Ndamase family deal with their grief. Nor are there funds available to pay for the costs of sending a counselor to help the community. The Border Surfriders Association and Surfing South Africa are therefore appealing for support to cover these expenses.

All funds raised will be used to assist the Ndamase family with expenses and contribute to the costs of sending a grief counselor to work with the family and the community.

Any donations can be made to the following account:

Surfing South Africa

***Please include your name, contact number or email and ZAMA as the reference.

Tracks went cage diving with Great Whites in South Africa: HERE